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The Rhode Island Advance Directive formalizes a written transcript in an effort to outline one’s wishes for medical care should circumstances occur where they can not voice their own decisions. Legally preparing for worst-case scenarios benefits the principal in establishing the desired course(s) of treatment prior to any potential decline in physical and mental health. The contract’s language allows the declarant to identify preferences related to possible life-sustaining regimens, including tube feeding. The secondary purpose of the registry provides an area to denote the assignment of a designated agent to make health care choices on behalf of the principal. Executing the arrangement will require the attesting of a notary or two (2) allowable witnessing parties confirm the form’s validation.

Laws

Statute – Rhode Island Health Care Power of Attorney (§ 23-4.10) and Rhode Island Rights of the Terminally Ill Act (§ 23-4.11)

Definitions – “Advance directive protocol” means a standardized, state-wide method developed for emergency medical services personnel by the department of health and approved by the ambulance service advisory board, of providing palliative care to, and withholding life-sustaining procedures from, a qualified patient (§ 23-4.11-2(1)).

Signing Requirements – An actively instated notary or two (2) subscribing witnesses, unrelated by blood or marriage, must be present to corroborate the endorsement process to verify its commitment (§ 23-4.10-2).

Revocation – § 23-4.10-3 and § 23-4.11-4